Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Engineer to lead our Engineering department at JA Palm Tree Court. The Chief Engineer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of property maintenance, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building operations, to ensure a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for guests and staff.

This leadership role requires hands-on technical expertise, strong team management skills, and a proactive approach to preventative maintenance and energy efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in hospitality engineering, a commitment to high standards of safety and service, and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to maintenance issues in a 24/7 operation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Engineering department, ensuring the hotel facilities and systems operate efficiently and safely.
• Lead, train, schedule, and supervise engineering staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and service excellence.
• Perform and supervise preventive maintenance tasks on all major systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, elevators, and refrigeration.
• Coordinate and manage all repair and maintenance activities across guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, and external property grounds.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, fire codes, environmental laws, and hotel brand standards.
• Manage building management systems (BMS), energy conservation measures, and utility usage to optimize energy efficiency and reduce costs.
• Respond promptly to guest and staff maintenance requests, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to operations.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance schedules, inspections, repairs, and equipment inventories.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, capital expenditure plans, and long-term maintenance strategies.
• Liaise with outside contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, renovations, and inspections.
• Conduct regular property inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and areas for improvement.
• Participate in hotel safety committees and emergency response planning, including fire drills and disaster preparedness.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to continually enhance operational effectiveness.

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills:

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer, Maintenance Manager, or similar leadership role in the hospitality industry (minimum 5 years preferred).
• Technical expertise in building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing a diverse engineering/maintenance team in a 24/7 environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Thorough understanding of building codes, safety regulations, and environmental compliance standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, fire codes).
• Experience managing contractors and vendors, including negotiating service agreements and overseeing outsourced work.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
• Strong project management abilities, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of capital improvement projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with hotel leadership, staff, guests, and external partners.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and building automation systems (BAS/BMS).
• Relevant certifications such as HVAC, Electrical, Universal EPA, or Certified Engineering Operations Executive (CEOE) are highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree or technical diploma in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).
• Flexibility to work on-call shifts, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies as required.